Where I grew up, you don’t go in the water. At least, that is what my parents always told me every time we took a trip to the ocean. At Bodega Bay, CA, your beach-bag essentials included a sweater, blankets, and a hairstyle you didn’t mind getting whipped around by the wind. Only the bravest and strongest of neoprene-covered surfers could be seen out beyond the break. Dangerous rip currents, cold water, and a high count of great white sharks kept most people cozy on the sand. So with this kind of an exposure to ocean life, you could say it is a miracle I became an ocean swimmer.
The beauty of California’s coastline is that no two spots are alike. For the past nine years I have been traveling up and down the state to swim, compete, and commune with my home’s magnificent stretch of 770 miles worth of rugged charm, iconic ocean views, and beautiful sandy beaches. I really owe my open water swimming initiation to this amazing place I live. Los Angeles, CA is a year-round haven for us wild swimmers. A far cry from the cold and unfriendly ocean where I grew up. Here are a few of my favourite California swimming spots.